I have added a new form of raku to my spring collection called naked raku. This technique is unique because after the pot is made, while it is semi-dry (leather hard) I pollished it using old nylon hose and plastic grocery bags, spoons or smooth rocks. Sounds strange but what is accomplished is the clay particles are compressed from the rubbing and as the particles move closer together, the clay begins to take on a shine. The technique is called burnishing and takes patience and time to develop the shine.
After the burnishing is complete, the pot is dried, bisqued and then rakued in a traditional raku kiln. No glaze is added so the pot absorbs the smoke and the result is a pot with the soft black shine of naked raku.